Kenyans on social media are calling for a boycott of Safaricom, the nation’s leading telecom provider and subsequent resignation of its CEO Peter Ndegwa.
These call follows extensive internet outage occasioned by the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests on June 25, 2024. The peaceful demos turned violent, with police using live ammunition, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities.
The situation worsened with an internet shutdown on the protest day, despite prior assurances from the Communication Authority.
Safaricom blamed a fiber cut, but international bodies and local reports suggest a government-mandated shutdown. This suspicion was heightened by the seamless internet during a presidential broadcast.
The shutdown also disrupted other East African countries, pointing to potential tampering at the Kenya Internet Exchange Point. Technology monitoring companies confirmed anomalies, suggesting deliberate interference.
Kenyans accuse Safaricom of colluding with government forces by sharing personal data of those who were abducted. CEO Peter Ndegwa denied these claims in a video statement earlier today.
However, a PrivacyInternational.org report indicates law enforcement presence within telecom operators’ facilities, contradicting the CEO’s assurances. Public backlash has been severe, with influencers and business leaders severing ties and urging boycotts.
Internally, Safaricom faces employee discontent, with tough questions posed to leadership in town-hall meetings. Legal experts and human rights advocates suggest potential violations of constitutional rights.
Safaricom’s actions during this crisis have eroded public trust. CEO Peter Ndegwa’s resignation is necessary to restore integrity and accountability. Until then, the boycott calls will likely continue, threatening the company’s stability and market dominance.
